Business, international

Australia commits to the helicopter

Article Abstract:

The Australian Army's armed reconnaissance helicopter project calls for two squadrons to enter service in 2004-05. A large chunck of an Aus $3.9 billion planned expenditure for land forces is expected to go to Air 87, although the tender does not specifiy a capped price. A contract signature is expected by Dec 2001. Four aircraft, the Bell AH-1Z, Boeing AH-64, Eurocopter Aussie Tiger and Agusta A-129, are involved and innovative proposals, including options for private funding, are being encouraged.

In transition

Article Abstract:

The Australian Defence Force Helicopter School (ADFHS), established in Canberra, Australia, in 1990, is the primary training school for the country's Army and Navy helicopter pilots. The ADFHS, a unit of the Army Aviation Training Centre, has a staff of five training contractors, 50 maintenance contractors, four Navy and 38 Army personnel. The unit flies as much as 8,000 hours annually and trains about 50 pilots every year.

Flying Australia's Seahawk

Article Abstract:

The Australian government has announced a major upgrade program for its S- 70B-2 Seahawk helicopters. The government allotted more than A$100 million for Project 1405, for the purchase of advanced integrated forward looking infrared and electronic surveillance measures sensors for its fleet of helicopters. The program also aims to address the shortage of spare parts to bring into service the four Seahawks held in attrition.